52-748: Leasowe ( / ˈ l iː s oʊ / ) is a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral , Merseyside , England. Located on the north coast of the Wirral Peninsula , it is approximately 2 mi (3.2 km) to the west of Wallasey . Historically within Cheshire , Leasowe was part of the old County Borough of Wallasey. It is now within the Leasowe and Moreton East Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. Leasowe
104-439: A £4.5bn development around the docklands to be called Wirral Waters . The development is a mixture of industrial, office, residential and leisure facilities. Planning permission was granted in 2010 and work began on the site in 2011, with development work potentially lasting for 30 years. When the borough was set up in 1974, it inherited comprehensive systems from the former County Boroughs of Birkenhead and Wallasey . In
156-535: A Mrs. Williams. It then became a tearoom for a period, but was unused before 1989, since when it has been the base for the ranger service of the North Wirral Coastal Park . The lighthouse is a Grade II listed building and houses a visitor centre which is occasionally open to the public. Leasowe Hospital or; The Leasowe Sanatorium For Crippled Children and Hospital for Tuberculosis, to give its full and original name, later became known as
208-533: A children's T.B. hospital to one for dealing with burns and skin grafts, and then arthritis until its closure in 1979. Another name closely associated with 'Leasowe'; amongst others, is that of (the late) Dr T.R. Littler, Consultant Rheumatologist, who was devoted to Leasowe. Leasowe Hospital was eventually bought by the Wirral Christian Centre in 1981 and was used later as a retirement home and handicap centre. After failing to make that facility work
260-440: A lifetime looking into ways of harnessing the sun's rays. His design featured a high south-facing solar wall, largely of glass, to absorb the sun's warmth, a sloping well-insulated roof, and a low blind north-facing wall backing the buildings corridor. The solar wall is built of glass leaves two feet apart: These draw the ultra violet rays from sunshine and reflect them around the walls of the classrooms. The walls become warm and heat
312-715: A man named Richard Hesketh to urge Ferdinando that he had a claim to the crown of England by right of his descent from Mary, Queen Dowager of France, the second surviving daughter of Henry VII and a younger sister of Henry VIII . The Heskeths had once been retainers of the Stanley family and were also family friends. This is why Richard Hesketh was chosen to approach Derby about the matter that has come to be known as "the Hesketh Plot". Ferdinando held two private meetings with Hesketh and then took him to London for further discussions with his mother, who had earlier been excluded from
364-410: A possible devolution deal to confer greater powers on the region. Discussions include whether to introduce an elected 'Metro Mayor' to oversee the entire metropolitan area. After the local elections in 2008 the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral was governed by a Labour Party/Liberal Democrat coalition, the second and third largest parties on the council respectively. Steve Foulkes of Labour was leader of
416-585: A reduced majority. Wirral Council maintains five designated Local Nature Reserves : Bidston Moss, Dibbinsdale, Heswall Dales , Hilbre Island and Thurstaston Common . It also operates the Merseyside part of Wirral Country Park , which was the first country park to be established in Britain. The Metropolitan Borough of Wirral is twinned or has sister city relationships with: The following people, military units, organisations and groups have received
468-481: A result of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 , which effectively changed secondary modern schools into comprehensives as schools were no longer permitted to select by examination failure. In summary, Wirral now has a state secondary sector made up of 16 comprehensive schools (of which two are Roman Catholic) and 6 grammar schools (of which two are Roman Catholic). The Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
520-563: A term often used for an ornate but derelict building. The term "Mockbeggar Wharf" is still used for the adjoining foreshore. The "Mockbeggar Hall" is also the name of a Wetherspoons pub in neighbouring Moreton. In 1821 ownership passed to the Cust family. After 1826 the building was used as a hotel for some years. The ceiling of the Star Chamber at the Palace of Westminster was brought to
572-470: Is a metropolitan borough of Merseyside , in North West England . It has a population of 322,453 (2022), and encompasses 62 square miles (161 km ) of the northern part of the Wirral Peninsula . Major settlements include Birkenhead , Wallasey , Bebington , Heswall , Hoylake and West Kirby . Wirral is England 's westernmost metropolitan borough , faced by the city of Liverpool to
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#1732776206410624-537: Is also part of the parliamentary constituency of Wallasey . At the 2001 census , Leasowe had a population of 6,180. By the time of the 2011 census specific figures for Leasowe were no longer maintained. The total population of the Leasowe and Moreton East Ward was 14,640. The name 'Leasowe' comes from the Anglo-Saxon Leasowes or 'Meadow Pastures'. Its sand dunes are the largest such system on
676-570: Is one of the six constituent local government districts of the Liverpool City Region . Since 1 April 2014, some of the borough's responsibilities have been pooled with neighbouring authorities within the metropolitan area and subsumed into the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority . The combined authority has effectively become the top-tier administrative body for the local governance of
728-598: Is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building . Leasowe Lighthouse was built in 1763 by Liverpool Corporation's Docks Committee (the forerunner of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board ) and is the oldest brick-built lighthouse in Britain. According to local tradition its foundations were built on bales of cotton from a nearby shipwreck. Around 1763, William Hutchinson installed what may have been
780-488: Is very expensive. The property is Grade II listed and is maintained by the Children & Young People's Department of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, which struggles to find the necessary revenue and capital to fully maintain it. Leasowe Castle may have been built for Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby – a patron of Shakespeare – in 1593, possibly (though this is disputed) as an observation platform for
832-673: The Freedom of the Borough of Wirral. Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby (1559 – 16 April 1594), was an English nobleman and politician. He was the son of Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby , and Lady Margaret Clifford . Ferdinando had a place in the line of succession to Elizabeth I according to the will of Henry VIII , after his mother, whom he predeceased. His sudden death led to suspicions of poisoning amid fears of Catholic plots to overthrow Elizabeth. In about 1572, when he
884-565: The municipal borough of Bebington and the urban districts of Hoylake and Wirral . This is a chart of trend of regional gross value added of Wirral at current basic prices published (pp. 240–253) by Office for National Statistics with figures in millions of British Pounds Sterling. ^1 includes hunting and forestry ^2 includes energy and construction ^3 includes financial intermediation services indirectly measured ^4 Components may not sum to totals due to rounding Plans were announced in 2006 for
936-673: The Labour administration in a motion of no confidence and the two parties governed again until the May election. Labour made gains in May 2012, gaining majority control of the council for the first time since local elections in 2002 saw Labour become a minority. Wirral is led by Phil Davies. In 2014 , the Green Party gained their first seat on the council, defeating Labour in their typically safe seat of Birkenhead and Tranmere . They retained it in 2018 with an increased vote share, albeit with
988-427: The Leasowe housing estate, developments along Leasowe Road and East Moreton. Between 2008 and 2014, one of the councillors was Ian Lewis – the first-ever Conservative councillor to represent the area on Wirral Council. The most recent local elections took place on 6 May 2021, with the ward being represented by three Labour Party councillors. Metropolitan Borough of Wirral The Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
1040-527: The Liverpool Open-Air Hospital, Leasowe, and finally Leasowe Hospital. Margaret Beavan (1877–1931) was the driving force of the hospital, admired by all, she was known affectionately as the 'Little Mother of Liverpool', also not quite as complimentary, the 'Mighty Atom' and 'Clever Beggar'. The first mention of a Sanatorium for children with Tuberculosis occurred on 16 December 1911. Slowly Leasowe Hospital changed from being principally
1092-458: The Queen's court for allegedly plotting against Elizabeth. However, he finally dramatically rejected Hesketh's proposition with displays of scorn and indignation, even turning him over to Burghley. Hesketh was interrogated and later executed. However, Stanley, who had hoped that his display of loyalty to Elizabeth would be rewarded, was shut out of the case and was marginalised. He was dismayed when
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#17327762064101144-525: The Wallasey races which took place on the sands in the 16th and 17th centuries, and which are regarded as a forerunner of the Derby races. Ferdinando's brother William, the 6th Earl , was described as a noted sportsman and is remembered as a keen supporter of the Wallasey races. At first the castle consisted only of an octagonal tower. This had become disused by 1700, and it became known as "Mockbeggar Hall",
1196-710: The Wirral. Much of the area is at or below sea level and is protected by the coastal embankment. Houses built in the early 20th century were often flooded and unsanitary, but after about 1926, new roads and drainage were put in by the Borough Council, and much new housing was developed. Along the embankment between Leasowe and Moreton are the remains of fortifications built during the Second World War. The world's first passenger hovercraft service operated in 1961–62. The service travelled from Moreton Common, and
1248-978: The accession of the Stanleys to the English throne might aid the Roman Catholic cause, but that "the Earl of Derby's religion is held to be doubtful, as some do think him to be of all three religions [Roman Catholic; Church of England; Puritan] and others of none." Parsons added that "no side will esteem or trust him" because of this. Nevertheless, Elizabeth's chief minister Lord Burghley received several reports that " Papists " were attempting to build support for Ferdinando, whom they might agree unanimously to make king, as one of his informants stated. Ferdinando's father died on 25 September 1593, and he succeeded him as Earl of Derby. Lord Strange's Men were accordingly renamed to "Derby's Men". Scholars believe that Shakespeare
1300-411: The air. Hardly any warmth escapes through the school's massively thick roof and walls covered with slabs of plastic foam. On the coldest days it is always 60 °F (16 °C) inside, and in summer the school is cooler than its more conventional neighbours, for panels inside the glass wall can be turned to deflect heat or absorb it. In practice, the large convector ducts which direct the warmed air to
1352-625: The buildings were eventually repossessed then later demolished around 2002–03. Luxury flats and houses have since been built on the site. Leasowe railway station is situated on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network. Leasowe is part of the Wallasey parliamentary constituency and represented by Angela Eagle MP. The majority of the Leasowe area is governed locally as part of the Leasowe & Moreton East ward , which takes in
1404-461: The castle in 1836 along with panelling and other furnishings; they had been salvaged from the old Palace of Westminster before the Star Chamber was demolished in an 1806 building project. The Star Chamber was so called because the ceiling was decorated with bright stars. The ceiling and four tapestries depicting the four seasons still remain. Oak panelling from the Star Chamber and some made from
1456-452: The city region and the leader of Wirral Borough Council, along with the five other leaders from neighbouring local government districts, take strategic decisions over economic development, transport, employment and skills, tourism, culture, housing and physical infrastructure. As of July 2015, negotiations are currently taking place between the UK national government and the combined authority over
1508-440: The colder north side of the building are a major safety hazard, and fire breaks have had to be inserted to reduce or cut off the air flow. The result is that on sunny days the south, glazed side of the building reaches unbearable temperatures in excess of 40 °C while for most of the time the unglazed north side never reaches a comfortable temperature nor receives much natural light. A secondary, small single-pipe heating system
1560-561: The council increased its number of seats by 2 to 27 and has now entered into coalition government with the Liberal Democrats as the leading coalition partner with the leader of the Conservatives, Jeff Green, becoming the new leader of the council. The Labour Party increased its representation on the council by 4 to 24 and remained the second largest party though they are now in opposition with their leader, Steve Foulkes, who
1612-417: The council. The Conservative Party was the largest party represented, and was in opposition with its leader Jeff Green being leader of the opposition. After the local elections in 2010 the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral was governed by a Conservative Party/Liberal Democrat coalition, which reflected the coalition at national level. The Conservative Party, continuing to be the largest party represented on
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1664-620: The duties of the Lieutenancies of Lancashire and Cheshire . He was both a poet and author, enjoying the society of eminent Elizabethan men of letters. Edmund Spenser , the poet, personified Ferdinando as "Amyntas", and his Countess as "Amaryllis". In 1610, a collection of English poems entitled Belvedere; or the Garden of the Muses was published which included work which may be by Ferdinando, but without his name being attached to it, and
1716-467: The first parabolic reflector in a lighthouse. The lighthouse was one of four lights on the North Wirral foreshore, the others being two at Hoylake and another – a lower light – at Leasowe. The latter was soon destroyed by the sea and was replaced by a lighthouse on Bidston Hill in 1771. The lighthouse was operational until 14 July 1908, with the only known female lighthouse keeper in those days,
1768-456: The former parts of Cheshire known for education purposes as " Bebington " and " Deeside ". However this Act introduced "open enrolment", allowing parents from anywhere in the borough, and outside it, to apply for a place for their child at any secondary school. As a result, significant numbers of pupils from the former "comprehensive areas" attend schools in the former "selective areas" and vice versa. The distinction between different types of school
1820-470: The identification remains to a large extent a matter of conjecture. After his succession to his father's titles and estates, more reports of Roman Catholic plots on Ferdinando's behalf reached Burghley, particularly of a priest in Rome who had said of the new Earl of Derby that "though he were of no religion, should find friends to decide a nearer estate [to the throne]". English rebels who had fled overseas sent
1872-753: The northeast over the River Mersey . Bordering is the River Mersey to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and the River Dee to the west; the borough of Cheshire West and Chester occupies the remainder of the Wirral Peninsula and borders the borough of Wirral to the south. The borough was formed on 1 April 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972 , as a merger of the county boroughs of Birkenhead and Wallasey, along with
1924-473: The part of Wirral formerly administered by Cheshire County Council , it inherited a selective system of grammar and secondary modern non- Roman Catholic schools and a comprehensive Roman Catholic school ( St John Plessington Catholic College ). Until the implementation of the Education Reform Act 1988 , education in Wirral continued to be organised in four areas; Birkenhead, Wallasey and
1976-490: The performing of plays. By 1590, Strange was allied with the Admiral's Men , performing at The Theatre (owned by James Burbage , father of Richard Burbage ). During this period, Ferdinando remained circumspect about his true opinions on religion and other matters. The Jesuit writer Robert Parsons expressed frustration, stating that "diverse men" were not satisfied "with the course of this lord hitherto". Parsons hoped that
2028-481: The position of Lord Chamberlain of Chester was given to Thomas Egerton rather than himself, complaining that he was "crossed in court and crossed in his country". His death was mysterious. A few months after the Hesketh affair, he was suddenly taken ill with a severe and violent sickness. Poisoning was suspected. It was claimed that Hesketh had threatened him that he would soon die if he did not accept his plans. He
2080-490: The submerged forest along the coast were also installed. However the oak panels were removed in 1893. Between 1911 and 1970, it became a railway convalescent home, and between 1974 and 1980 it was owned by Wirral Borough Council. It reopened as a hotel in December 1982, and was acquired by Lawton Hotels Ltd in 2000. The hotel is now a popular venue for weddings and other family functions, with around 50 bedrooms. Leasowe castle
2132-654: The wife of John Egerton, 1st Earl of Bridgewater and mother of John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgewater . Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1588–1633) was married to Henry Hastings, 5th Earl of Huntingdon . Their son Ferdinando Hastings, 6th Earl of Huntingdon was named after his maternal grandfather. Ferdinando was succeeded as Earl of Derby by his younger brother, William . But the Baronies of Strange (of Knokyn) [1299] , Mohun (of Dunster) [1299], and Stanley [1456], fell into abeyance between his daughters and coheirs. The Barony of Strange (of Knokyn) was, however, improperly assumed by
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2184-650: The world to be heated entirely by solar energy. At 53.4°N, it is also the most northerly. The school was built in 1955 in the contemporary style as the St Georges Secondary School for Girls, but in 1958 it was decided to admit boys as well, requiring a doubling in capacity. This was met by putting up a new block, now known as the Solar Building, to a design by Emslie Morgan, the Assistant Borough Architect, who spent
2236-411: Was a supporter of the arts, enjoying music, dance, poetry, and singing, but above all, he loved the theatre . He was the patron of many writers, including Robert Greene , Christopher Marlowe , Edmund Spenser , and William Shakespeare . Shakespeare may have been employed by Strange in his early years as one of Lord Strange's Men , when this troupe of acrobats and tumblers was reorganized, emphasizing
2288-521: Was advertised as between Wallasey and Rhyl in North Wales. However, the service was not profitable and soon ceased. The River Fender merges with the Birket at Leasowe. The Birket then continues towards West Float at the site of the former Wallasey Pool . The Solar Campus, on Leasowe Road, is the former St Georges Secondary School, and is the site of the Solar Building, the first building in
2340-426: Was born his eldest daughter, Anne Stanley, Countess of Castlehaven , in 1580. Henry VIII's will would have made her queen in 1603 as heiress of Henry's younger sister Mary Tudor ; Elizabeth was actually succeeded by James VI of Scotland , the heir of Henry's older sister, Margaret Tudor . Bernard Burke also mentioned two younger daughters of the Earl and Alice Spencer. Lady Frances Stanley (1583–1636) would become
2392-421: Was governed by a minority Labour Party administration. Foulkes was leader of the council with Phil Davies as deputy leader. The Liberal Democrats lost a councillor who switched to Labour, Steve Niblock shortly after the elections. There are now no independents on Wirral Council. Labour have 36 seats, Conservatives have 23 and the Liberal Democrats 7. In February 2012 the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats defeated
2444-407: Was installed to give additional heating on cold winter days with very few hours of sunlight, but by 1966 it had never been used, and was dismantled. The Liverpool Echo reported in 1963 that during the previous winter temperatures never dropped below 60 °F (16 °C), while in the summer it was cooler than the older part of the school. Today, the secondary heating has to be used very often, and
2496-455: Was involved with this company of players both as an actor and playwright. The troupe produced Titus Andronicus and the trilogy of Henry VI, Part 1 , Henry VI, Part 2 , and Henry VI, Part 3 . Some of these plays may contain oblique references to the Stanley family's political position at the time. Ferdinando was considered "of an exalted genius as well as birth", and during the absence of his father on State business he ably discharged
2548-421: Was leader of the council now leader of the opposition. The Liberal Democrats lost 4 seats decreasing their tally to 15 remaining the third largest party on the council but continuing to participate in the governing of the council as the junior coalition partner to the Conservatives. The one independent represented on the council lost their seat. After the local elections in 2011 the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
2600-628: Was said to have been poisoned by the Jesuits , his gentleman of horse being suspected of administering the poison. The historian John Stow recorded his illness in great detail. It has been suggested that poisonous mushrooms were used. A contemporary note of the Earl's symptoms, the remedies he took, and the grounds for suspicion of witchcraft survive. He fell sick at Knowsley Hall but travelled to Lathom House where he took bezoar stone and allegedly, powdered unicorn's horn as medicine. He died on 16 April 1594. From his marriage to Alice Spencer ,
2652-514: Was thirteen, Stanley matriculated as a member of the University of Oxford . A year later he was called to her Court by Queen Elizabeth , "to be shaped in good manners". He was subsequently summoned to Parliament in his father's Barony of Strange (of Knokyn) and became known as "Ferdinando, Lord Straunge". In 1579 he married Alice Spencer , the youngest daughter of Sir John Spencer of Althorp by his marriage to Catherine Kytson. Ferdinando
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#17327762064102704-502: Was to an extent masked, as all secondary modern and most comprehensive schools were named "High School". As a further result of this Act, St Anselm's College and Upton Hall School , both within the Birkenhead education area, became the only independent schools in the country to become state funded grant-maintained schools , retaining selective admissions policies to become Roman Catholic grammar schools . A further change came as
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